Triathlon athletes run during the training session at the Jakabaring Sport City, Palembang, South Sumatra, on Wednesday (Aug. 29, 2018). Triathlon which is making its debut at the Games will be held on Friday (Aug. 31, 2018). (Antara/INASGOC/Muhammad Adimaja)

A police official with the Palembang traffic police said there would be temporary traffic diversions and some road closures in Jakabaring as part of the preparations for the triathlon, which will be held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.

Head of Palembang traffic police Comr. Andi Baso Rahman said the temporary diversions and road closures would be applied over the next three consecutive days from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. After that, the road will go back to its regular operations.

“The closures will be applied only for five hours, from the central market intersection to the road in the front of the Dekranasda building, or around 5 kilometers,” he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

He said the police had already held a trial run on that specific region and found that the closure would contribute directly to the event. He said the police had also prepared alternative routes for passersby so they could still make their journey, which is the route that leads to Kertapati and Plaju.

“Please watch out for any heavy traffic on the alternative route starting from tomorrow," he said.

He also said the same policy would be implemented on the road inside Jakabaring Sport City. During the triathlon, roads that can be used by organizers, visitors or media persons are only accessible through gates 4 and 6.

South Sumatra’s youth and sports office head Yusuf Wibowo expected the local residents’ full understanding and cooperation for the temporary road closure and thus could take alternative routes during the specific hours over the next three days.

“We need to clear the roads for the event. I hope the residents will understand and cooperate with us,” he said.